Socially disadvantaged young people are improving their digital skills and employment prospects by taking part in the ‘Real-Time Jobs for Youth’ training initiative organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). With funding from the Innovation Global Initiative, this educational programme runs in partnership with Georgian and international organizations, including Business and Technology University, the Future Laboratory and SOS-Kinderdorf.

‘Real-Time Jobs for Youth’ is tailored to the needs of young people who are about to leave state care and start independent lives. Online training sessions that were carried out in October and November brought together young people from across Georgia to equip them with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in social media, digital marketing and graphic design.

To ensure quality training and sustainable outcomes of the ‘Real-Time Jobs for Youth’ programme, UNDP and UNICEF invited educational institutions, civil society organizations and private companies on board. Business and Technology University has engaged in shaping and delivering training courses, the Future Laboratory has assisted young people to create a knowledge network and educate their peers, and several private enterprises have committed to offering them internships and job opportunities.

“Education is our best weapon in the battle again poverty, inequality and social exclusion. When people are equipped with knowledge and skills, they have a better chance to overcome economic and social challenges and build their future,“ said UNDP Head in Georgia Nick Beresford.

“There is a considerable segment of unemployed youth in Georgia lacking skills and opportunities. Young people leaving the state care are particularly vulnerable as they start an independent life in the adult world. Our initiative is assisting these young people to enhance their skills and benefit from employment opportunities,” said UNICEF Representative in Georgia Ghassan Khalil.

UNDP and UNICEF are supporting the ‘Real-Time Jobs for Youth’ programme as part of their ongoing efforts to promote innovation and technology in Georgia and help the country build a skilled cohort of young people better prepared to contribute to growing economies and prosperous societies.

Media contacts

• Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
• Maya Kurtsikidze, UNICEF, +995 599 533071, mkurtsikidze@unicef.org